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I have just been researching the history of the Jo and have come up with this;

The Jo came from Muso Gonnosuke who was the only person to defeat Miyamoto Musashi. Both of these masters met on a field just outside Edo which is now morden day Tokyo. They dueled for some time then as Gonnosuke went to strike Musashi and his Bo got caught between Musashi's swords. This leaving Gonnosuke no where to go, Musahsi having heard of Gonnosuke's reputation and fame spared his life.

After this duel Gonnosuke spent time trying to find a style that would defeat Musashi's "two sword style" after not being able to he meditated for some time. During this time he had a dream that he believed was from devine guidance. It was to make a staff 4 foot long. Gonnosoke made this shorter staff and called it a JO. he developed a new set of moves and strikes with this new staff.

Word go around about this new weapon and Musashi heard about it and again they were locked in a battle. Musashi couldn't get the better of Gonnosuke and his new Staff. Just when it looked like the battle was about to be a draw Gonnosuke struck down at Musashi with his new staff and clearly defeated Musashi. He also spared his life as Musashi had done before for Gonnosuke.

Does this sound correct? and Does anybody have anything to add or am I totally off track.

I would hazard a guess that people have been trying to kill and maim each other with bits of wood of various lengths for a few thousand years before Gonnosuke. Or were you referring to the codified style?

As far as prior use, the short staff was known since before homo sapiens came around. I mean really, how long have people (and pre-people) and been whacking each other with sticks? Maybe next we can get into a discussion of the origins of Chinese short staff techniques in Africa .

Yes, but the initial post indicates the jo as a "new weapon", based on that story.

Quote:

As far as prior use, the short staff was known since before homo sapiens came around. I mean really, how long have people (and pre-people) and been whacking each other with sticks? Maybe next we can get into a discussion of the origins of Chinese short staff techniques in Africa .

Africa is pretty far, in terms of geography and influence. If it was closer, I would seriously consider looking to China as a potential source for a weapon, given that the preponderance of Japanese weapons seem to have come from China. It would appear that might be something you don't want to consider though, so I'll drop it.

You cite the accepted story. While the short stick may be predated in different countries and context prior (I would agree that fighting with sticks of all sizes is a very old world wide phenomena), within the context of Japan and Aikido I believe you are on the well worn path.

Lynn Seiser PhD
Yondan Aikido & FMA/JKD
We do not rise to the level of our expectations, but fall to the level of our training. Train well. KWATZ!